Blytheville police are investigating a shooting in the 1200 block of East Rose on Tuesday.
According to the police report, the victim, Joseph Sanders, told police that he backed out of his driveway and proceeded east on Rose.
“Just after backing out of the driveway Sanders heard gunshots and windows breaking in his vehicle,” the report said. “Sanders fled the area in his vehicle until coming in contact with Sgt. Ables (on Lockard).”
The white Chevrolet Tahoe had what appeared to be two bullet holes in the rear lift gate area, both rear driver's side windows were broken, and there was damage to the driver's side mirror, the report said.
“In the street in front of the apartment I located seven 7.65mm shell casings,” the report said. “I also observed glass and a piece of broken taillight in the area that Sanders stated the vehicle was at when it was shot. When officers opened the rear lift gate of the vehicle a small caliber bullet fell out onto the ground.”
“All of the shots appeared to have come from approximately 10 to 15 foot away from the vehicle and were all directed toward the drivers seat.”
Sanders told police that he did not see a vehicle in the area and that he thought the offender had to be on foot. Sanders said that he has not had a problem with anyone and does not know who the offender could possibly be.
“It should be noted that at approximately (10:30 p.m.) on (Monday), officers responded to the same block of E. Rose in reference to shots fired but did not locate anything,” the report said.
Also Tuesday, police investigated a burglary in the 1600 block of Holly.
Gina Miller, an employee of Nation Property Management, who owns the property, told police that an unknown neighbor called her and said that a unknown subject was removing items from the property.
“Miller stated that when she arrived she noticed the backdoor forced open and several items missing,” the report said. “Miller stated that a kitchen sink along with some pluming were gone.”
Miller also stated that she will bring a list of all the property missing at a later date.
On Tuesday, police arrested Dexter Burks, 18, on several charges, including theft by receiving and fleeing in the 1000 block of East Main.
According to the report, police observed a silver Chevrolet Malibu traveling north on South Lockard.
“After running the tag on the vehicle it came back as a stolen vehicle,” the report said. “At that time the vehicle was parking at Sonic on East Main. I then conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle as the driver known as Dexter Burks exited the vehicle. I informed Burks to remain at the rear of his vehicle. I approached Burks and informed him the tags showed that the vehicle was stolen and asked where he got it. Burks stated from his uncle Orlando, the same place he got the fake money.”
The officer instructed Burks to place his hands on the rear of the vehicle for a pat down to check for weapons.
“As I attempted to pat down Burks’ right front pocket of his black basketball shorts he attempted to grab his pocket,” the report said. “I blocked his hand with mine and asked what he had in his pocket. Burks stated he had a gun. I informed Burks not to move. I attempted to recover the gun from his right front pocket. As I reached in his pocket Burks took off running. I managed to grab ahold of the firearm pulling it out of his pocket. I advised dispatch that I was in a foot pursuit headed west towards the old Price Chopper.” Burks was finally caught near the back of the old building near Hollywood street, the report said.
Burks was transported back to Sonic at the scene where police conducted a vehicle search. Nothing was located. Burks was transported to the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Department for fleeing on foot, theft by receiving, no driver’s license and possession of a firearm by certain persons.
“The firearm did have a round in the chamber and came back clear after checking to see if it was stolen,” the report said. “The vehicle was towed from the scene by Fulks and CID was contacted about the incident.”